GIRARDVILLE - A borough man was jailed Thursday after being charged with burglarizing a Girardville business.
Christopher M. Rust, who turned 21 on Wednesday, was arraigned on one felony count each of burglary, criminal trespass and conspiracy, as well as a misdemeanor count of theft.
State police Trooper Melissa Kyper of the Frackville station said the incident occurred about 2:40 a.m. Wednesday at Brittanie's Shop and Save, 106 E. Main St., where police were called for a burglar alarm activation.
At the scene, police found a broken front window and learned that several packs of Marlboro and Newport cigarettes had been stolen.
About 11:30 a.m. Thursday, police were called to the business again, this time for a report of a man confessing to the crime.
At the store, Rust was arrested and taken to the state police barracks, where he provided a voluntary statement after being read his rights.
Rust said he and another man, whom police did not identify, decided to break into the business and attempted to kick in the door but were unsuccessful.
They left and then returned, Rust having a crow bar. Kyper said Rust said that he smashed the store window, got scared and ran away.
Rust said the other man went into the store while Rust ran to 112 E. Main St. The other man came there a short time later, holding a bag containing 23 packs of Marlboro and Newport cigarettes.
She said that Rust's statement agreed with video surveillance from the store and the report by the victim about the stolen items.
Kyper said an arrest warrant was obtained from Magisterial District Judge Anthony Kilker for the second person involved in the crime.
Rust was committed to Schuylkill County Prison in lieu of 10 percent of $25,000 bail set by Kilker. He must answer the charges before Magisterial District Judge Christina E. Hale, Frackville.
Charges are pending against the second man involved in the crime.